Amaya, nestled in the heart of Belgravia, is hands down my favourite Indian restaurants in London right now. With its glam, contemporary decor and a vibrant open kitchen where you can watch all the magic happen, Amaya offers a dining experience that blends traditional Indian flavours with modern culinary techniques. The tantalising aroma of spices, the sizzling sounds of the tandoor, and the exquisite presentation of dishes make every visit such a delight. I’ve visited Amaya previously in the past, but it was so good to return a few weeks back to see how the menu has been evolving.
Whether it’s a cheeky cocktail or something bubbly to settle in, they will be the perfect accompaniment to their endless selection of small plates. Especially the Chilli & Passionfruit Martini which is a must-try. A balanced blend of spicy chilli and sweet passionfruit, that offers a refreshing and adventurous twist to your dining experience, perfectly complementing the restaurant’s bold and flavorful cuisine.
The Gilafi Kebab at Amaya is a dish that I think perfectly embodies the restaurant’s flair for innovation and tradition. Served on the skewer tableside, expect a succulent minced lamb kebab, expertly seasoned and enveloped in a vibrant mix of bell peppers and aromatic spices. The kebab is grilled to perfection, resulting in a tender, juicy interior and a slightly crisp exterior which holds it all together nicely. Notably spicy (you may need another cocktail), the Gilafi Kebab packs a punch. It’s a must-try for those who appreciate a bit of heat to their dishes.
The Tarragon Chicken Tikka at Amaya is a delightful twist on the classic Indian dish. Marinated with a blend of tarragon and traditional Indian spices, the chicken is grilled to perfection (as is everything here). The infusion of tarragon adds a unique herbal note, elevating the smoky and spicy profile of the tikka, making it both familiar and refreshingly novel.
One of the many new dishes on the menu, this one pleasantly surprised me and was more Indo-Chinese in flavours. Wok Stirred Long Beans. Stir-fried with a mix of spices and perhaps a hint of garlic and ginger, these beans retain their snap and freshness. The dish was well balanced, had a good helping of heat and some nice natural sweetness from the beans. A great dish on its own, or to complement another.
The Seafood Platter here is an absolute showstopper, even more so if you go for the larger helping. A mix of the ocean’s finest, with the grilled prawn stealing the spotlight. Perfectly charred and seasoned with more of their fresh spices, you’ll only want to order more of those prawns. Alongside other expertly prepared seafood items such as scallops and oysters, the platter offers a feast for the senses, but it’s the grilled prawn that truly makes the experience a memorable culinary journey for me.
What if I told you, you’ll never eat broccoli this good? The Tandoori Broccoli at Amaya in London is undoubtedly one of my favourite dishes here and everyone else’s that gets to try it when they visit. What makes it truly special is not only the flavour but also the interactive experience of watching it being cooked right in front of your table in the tandoor. Marinated to perfection with a blend of spices and yoghurt, the broccoli emerges from the tandoor charred and tender, with a smoky aroma that’s simply irresistible.
The Mandarin & Goat’s Cheese Salad, another new addition to the menu at Amaya, is a refreshing and vibrant delight. This dish combines the juiciness of fresh mandarin segments with the creamy tang of goat’s cheese, creating a mouthful of flavours and textures. The crisp greens and a light, zesty dressing enhance the salad’s overall freshness, giving each bite a burst of refreshing taste.
Amaya’s dessert selection is a feast for the senses too – so make sure you save room! The strawberry kulfi, a traditional Indian ice cream, is creamy and fragrant, bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. The jelly with gold leaf adds a touch of luxury and elegance and its delicate texture and subtle sweetness – it also makes for a delightful palate cleanser as well as a dessert.
But it’s the rich chocolate slice that will win you over. Decadent and smooth, it promises to offer a satisfying end to the meal with its deep cocoa notes, velvety texture and crunchy bases. You’ll wish they had a cafe next door to consume daily.
My overall experience at Amaya in London has been nothing short of exceptional. Each dish, whether it’s the succulent and spicy Gilafi Kebab, the standout grilled prawn in the Seafood Platter, the uniquely flavorful Tandoori Broccoli, or the refreshing Mandarin & Goat’s Cheese Salad – it all showcases perfectly Amaya’s innovative blend of traditional Indian flavours with modern techniques. Every visit to Amaya is a delightful feast that keeps me eagerly wanting to come back for more and so I highly recommend you add it to the top of your visit list.
